Inclusive development at Sankoyo Trust’s core

SANKOYO: Not one to leave any person behind, Sankoyo Tshwaragano Development Trust has made significant strides in developing its community. The trust has so far successfully sponsored about seven students to further their studies, built houses for the less privileged, augmented the elderly’s old-age pension, connected taps for homes within the village, and created employment.

The trust generates funds through renting its concessions and running a cultural village and a camp. The village board that the Sankoyo community selects runs them.

Speaking at the UNDP media tour recently, the trust’s escort guide, Oneilwemang Sakoi revealed that the trust continues to uplift the livelihoods of its community.

“Through the cultural village and the

Kaziikini campsite, you are served with unlimited exposure to the marvellous and dramatic lifestyle of Africa. We have leased two concessions to Smart Stone trading as Under Botswana Sky as well as Wilderness Safaris,” she said.

Sakoi added the generated revenue is then used to empower Sankoyo through the board.

“The village selects the board members who stay at the helm for three years before handing over,” she said.

According to Sakoi, requests for developments are made yearly through the trust.

“This board is run professionally. There are quarterly updates and audits,” she revealed.

The achievements reflect a community on the right path toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as no poverty, zero hunger, quality education, clean water, and sanitation by 2030.

The trust is a community-based natural resources management organisation operating in the North West region in Ngamiland.

Meanwhile, Shorobe Basket Trust, which is in the business of weaving and selling basket products, decried the lack of a good market as one of their greatest challenges. The board secretary, Solomon Galesiwe has appealed to the media and the nation to promote and market their products as a way of supporting them.